Second Thoughts ~ Only in Hallmark Movies

Greetings Dear Reader,

This bit of humor is brought to you by The Twelve Tales of Christmas.  Get yours by clicking on the title.  Whilst you await its arrival, consider that we all understand that Hallmark Christmas movies are formulaic and predictable.  It is one of the reasons why we either love them or hate them. 

I fall into the love category.  I have noticed, however, that there are certain things that are always true.  That is, they are true unless it is part of the plot for them to be untrue.  I do not wish to spoil the enjoyment of these movies for you.  I do want you to enjoy just how predictable they are and perhaps find a deeper merriment in noticing all the conveniences in these people's lives that we wish we had.  Remember that unless they are a part of the plot, these things are almost always true.

Wind – never blows in a troublesome way

Snow – is always neatly manicured everywhere

Traffic – never heavy or intrusive

No one drives anywhere

Food is always perfect

The main characters are first in line everywhere

People rarely pay for anything

In addition, I have these other thoughts: No matter how crucial your job, you can leave at any time to move the story along.  No one ever goes to the bathroom.  The only things that stores run out of are things vital to someone having the perfect Christmas.  If there were that many quaint towns in Ohio, there would be no other cities. 

Magic, mythology, and mysteries come and go as needed in these films.  Everyone resolves into joy at the end and bad guys always get their comeuppance.  The troubled kid always makes it to the nice list in time.  The plane, train, or bus that might not make it, does.  There is so much predictability that it is hard to predict which predictable thing will actually occur. 

Enjoy one or two, or like me, enjoy as many as you can.  If you do not wish to, I can recommend some good books.  Just click the Amazon link below.  Whatever you choose, make time to enjoy the season and be gentle with those of us who like the magic of Hallmark.  Also, remember Dear Reader that what we need is in these movies. There is always hope.  That alone is something which we need.

 

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a homeowner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Contacts for Aramis Thorn:

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64” Screen

Greetings Dear Reader,

I want to say first that this is not a TV review or an attempt to make the case for giant televisions.  The idea of a TV that costs as much as a cheap used car is not something, I find appealing.  I did, however, find a bit of adventure and learning with one.

I visited a friend this week who had a brand new 64”, state the art television.  This is one of those with 360-degree vision, a billion shades of color, and the ability to turn into a chameleon on your wall when it is off.  I admit I was impressed with the blending of the screen into their sea-foam colored wall.  It somehow mimicked the color.  The addition of an image of the moon made it look like a framed painting or photograph.

It also uses a thin, almost invisible cable to attach all fourteen-million of his game consoles, video players, computers, and his cable to the screen.  He has theatre style seats that recline and are heated.  The chairs are perfectly situated so that the screen just touches the edge of one’s peripheral vision.

We were set to watch a movie and he and his spouse had laid out some very amazing appetizers from their equally technological kitchen.  Paul switch on the system from his chair mounted console that reminded me more of a starship than an easy chair.  Lights came on in the technology nook that sat just behind our line of sight.  He used his console to also extinguish the lights in the room.

Instantly the screen darkened for a moment and the logo of the video playback software filled the center.  The backlight to the screen adjusted to fit the presets of the function.  The comic book logo of the production company flickered across the screen and then it when dark for a few seconds before the movie began.

We both saw it at the same time.  I said nothing.  Paul paused the movie in its darkness and swore blue thunder.  About two inches from the center of the screen was a single, bright-white dead pixel.  This tiny failed node in the vast sea of working ones called to Paul as if taunting him.

I suggested that we would not notice it once the movie got rolling.  He grudgingly agreed and started the movie again.   I was correct that it was unnoticeable amidst the bright colors of costumed heroes and extensive explosions.  It was, however, the first thing that came up after the movie ended. 

Paul set the screen to black and went up to the wall to examine the petulant pixel.  He ranted a bit about the cost of the screen (closer to $3000 than $2000).  This Dear Reader is my point.   That single tiny dead pixel became the focus of my friend’s world.  The vast opulence of his life, the many blessings in his world, and the joy he has in all his success were forgotten over a single dead node.

I am not judging Paul.  I know that I can forget all that is good in my life over things that ultimately do not matter.   It is my obligation to hold all things in perspective.   When I fail to do so, I hurt others and miss opportunities to be gracious and kind.  Paul will be inconvenienced having to replace his amazing TV.  He still has more than most of us will ever have. 

Still, I must be vigilant that my pixel problems do not overtake the landscape of my life that is filled with grace and blessings.  I must ensure that I am not so narrowly focused that I neglect gratitude and humility in every moment.  I have so many things that will transcend the life of my technology and gadgets.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a homeowner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Contacts for Aramis Thorn:

Support Page on Patreon: www.patreon.com/aramisthorn

Novels on Amazon             

Web Page:  www.aramisthorn.com

Bookings: aramisthorn@aramisthorn.com

Facebook        Google +    Twitter     

Medium   Instagram  Kids BLOG   

This BLOG:  http://aramisthorn.blogspot.com/  

Gratitude ~ Movies

Greetings Dear Reader,

I first discovered movies as a lad.  My mum would sometimes work on Saturdays and would send me next door to the Fox Theatre for their Saturday children’s movie.  The inside of the theatre was like being in a castle at night.   The ceiling filled with stars twinkled at dusk showing the walls and towers of the castle around the perimeter. 

As a boy I saw movies like Jack the Giant Killer and The 7^th Voyage of Sinbad. It was always a double-feature with heaps of cartoons thrown in for good measure.  The time was magical to me. 

The progression was first to a steady diet of old movies on a local UHF channel.  I was treated to the great classics, desert dramas, and Abbot and Costello comedies.  There were some great science fiction reels there as well. 

The first movie I attended on my own was The Land that Time Forgot.  It was at a small local theatre.  I sat through it twice.  Then I got a job at a mall with a theatre.  I would work my shift in the morning on Saturday and take in a movie before going home.

There was a time where the church I attended convinced me that all movies were bad.  I knew better but conformed for a little while out of false guilt.  I returned to my silver screen adventures when Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan released in 1982. 

I am always grateful for an adventure.  Understanding the work and skill that goes into making a movie makes me even more appreciative.  They become fodder for discussion and comradery.  What about you Dear Reader?  What is your favorite movie?

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Second Thoughts ~ The Greatest Showman: A Review

Greetings Dear Reader,

Sometimes I will end the day with thoughts that are important to get out.  Usually I just write them and put them in my journal folder.  I have chosen that on occasion I will share them with you Dear Reader.

As I mentioned before I recently saw The Greatest Showman; the story P. T. Barnum.  I expected the movie to be a good one.  It included Hugh Jackman and was a musical.  He has already proven himself in this genre and I was curious about how the movie would approach the story.

I felt that the quality and timing of the music was equal to Mulan Rouge.  The story captivated me by the quality of the music.  As stories go there is not much there but the simplicity may be what makes it great. It may be what makes it transcendent to us all. 

SPOILIERS AHEAD

The story takes us from the boy to the man.  He shows us how he builds his dreams with the girl he loves doing the things he loves.  To their credit the producers avoided the tawdry seamy things are expected.  This avoidance lends to the enjoyment and the drama of the film.

Even the tragic moments of the film are bolstered by hope and optimism.  The growth of the circus and the characters leads us down the path of one mans dreams and the permission to dream and build in the same way.  Even when everything burns he starts over and dreams again.  I was very inspired.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Second Thoughts – Memories Unwanted Unleashed

Greetings Dear Reader,

Sometimes I will end the day with thoughts that are important to get out.  Usually I just write them and put them in my journal folder.  I have chosen that on occasion I will share them with you Dear Reader.

I saw the movie A Dog’s Purpose this weekend.  There will be no spoilers here.  I found the movie to be well made if a bit predictable.  I think, however, that they wished the predictability to prepare the viewer for the emotional impact. 

I was not prepared at all.  The movie brought tears to my eyes as soon as the central story began.  It struck a deep well of long capped over memories.  They erupted in a geyser of tears and pain that still echoes this evening. 

Her name was Shabel’s Shady Lady.  She was a champion Rough Collie.  She was a gift from a family friend who became my constant companion.  We hiked the woods and trails around our suburban home for hours and days.  She was gentle, obedient, and very well behaved.

We took her everywhere.  She slept in my room and would nuzzle me awake every morning before school.  When I returned in the afternoons she was always waiting at the door for our pre-homework jaunt.

I will not chronicle the details of her loss.  It is enough to say that others conspired to take her from me.  The loss was sudden, tragic, and met with no compassion from my parents.  I have not owned a dog since.  I will not until it is completely on my terms.

I cannot believe how raw and sharp the memories of that time are.  I thought that I had abandoned them.  Instead they lay in wait for me in some frozen buried part of my heart and mind.  Yesterday they assaulted me with cruel determination to undo me. 

It was necessary to visit the memories and forgive those who harmed so deeply with intent.  I had to remember the treachery and forgive as I know that I never did.  The pain is fresh and raw.  I don’t even have pictures; just memories to hold.

Walk on the Ocean – Toad the Wet Sprocket

We spotted the ocean at the head of the trail

Where are we going, so far away?

And somebody told me that this is the place

Where everything's better and everything's safe

Walk on the ocean

Step on the stones

Flesh becomes water

Wood becomes bone

And half an hour later we packed up our things

We said we'd send letters and all those little things

And they knew we were lying but they smiled just the same

It seemed they'd already forgotten we'd came

Walk on the ocean

Step on the stones

Flesh becomes water

Wood becomes bone

Walk on the ocean

Step on the stones

Flesh becomes water

Wood becomes bone

Now we're back at the homestead

Where the air makes you choke

And people don't know you

And trust is a joke

We don't even have pictures

Just memories to hold

That grow sweeter each season

As we slowly grow old

Walk on the ocean

Step on the stones

Flesh becomes water

Wood becomes bone

Walk on the ocean

Step on the stones

Flesh becomes water

Wood becomes bone

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Second Thoughts – Avengers – Age of Ultron - NO SPOILERS

Greetings Dear Reader,

Sometimes I will end the day with thoughts that are important to get out.  Usually I just write them and put them in my journal folder.  I have chosen that on occasion I will share them with you Dear Reader.

Yester-eve my Son, Bezel, my Daughter, Christmas, and I journeyed to the new state-of-the-science theatre in our town to see the new Avengers movie.  Both the grand opening of the theatre and the premiere of the movie have been long anticipated by us  for months.

Let me say clearly that neither disappointed.   The theatre is reserved seating with reclining seats.  Even the smallest screen is huge and both sound and image are fully satisfying.   The Movie, however…

The new Marvel sendup would have been great even at an old drive in with tinny metal speakers.  Joss Whedon has delivered better than expected but in par with his reputation.  Every moment held the attention.  Every scene was crafted to move the story along without boring setup before delivery.

Character development, back story, and sidebars were accomplished without slowing the action or main story.   Even Stan Lee had his best cameo to date.   You do not need to know anything about the Marvel universe to enjoy the film.  Marvel diehards will not be disappointed at all the tiny Easter eggs and preludes.  

The characters remained true to who we see them as in the comics.  Paul Bettnay was amazing.  James Spader created a better character with his voice than most actors can with their entire being.  Even the secondary castings were obviously chosen with care and precision.

Other than Star Trek films I rarely pay theatre prices twice to see a film.  I will be for this one.  As my Son said, we have waited a long time to see some of this brought to film with so much quality and success.  It was simply MARVELous

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Start the Movie

Greetings Dear Reader,

I am not cheap but I do like to save money.  I also like to go to the movies.  One of the things I do is to attend early Saturday morning movies at my local theatre.  The price is cheap and the place is less crowded. 

Recently Christmas and I went to a move and there were perhaps thirty people there.  We noticed that the time had come and gone for the movie to start but did not really care.  Once the movie was ten minutes beyond start time a young girl, one of the ushers, came in and announced that there was a problem in the projection booth but it would be fixed momentarily.

Many of us expressed a simple thank you.  One man, up and to my left yelled at the girl, “Tell them to hurry up.” 

The girl responded by saying, “I am sure they are doing all they can.” 

He responded dismissively, “Just start the movie.”

It took just another minute for the movie to begin.  I spent that minute reminding myself that the way of following Christ precluded me from doing verbal or physical harm to the man behind me. 

Later my Daughter and I discussed how sad someone’s life must be that they need to be unkind to a teenage girl who had no control over the situation.  To my delight I could hear compassion in Christmas’ voice as she said that she was embarrassed for the girl. 

It troubled me greatly that we have lost the ability to just be decent to people in our daily interactions.  I said this to Christmas and she pointed out that the other 29 of us were either silent of had thanked the girl. 

Her reminder made me more determined to be kind to people who are in the service industries.  They do so much that we take for granted.  They work on holidays. They work late hours.  They have to deal with the crowds, lines, and complaints.  If I dare to think that I am following Christ I had better have a heart of kindness, compassion, and gratitude toward them.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)